Jen Maranzano is an attorney who writes a little on the side, starting with RunWashington in 2016. She stopped being an attorney for a little last year while to train full time. Read more of her writing here.
Name: Jen Maranzano
Self-described age group:Â masters
Residence:Â D.C.
Occupation:Â Attorney by day, runner by day and night
Volunteer roles in the running world: (as applies) Work with the elite athlete coordination for the Cherry Blossom ten miler
Why you run: I like the challenge of trying to get the most out of myself, and seeing the results of hard work and discipline. And I love how the process brings people together and creates such strong bonds. Plus, running gets me outside every day.
When did you get started running:Â High School
Have you taken a break from running:Â Â I’ve had a lot of injury imposed breaks. Other than that, I always take a couple weeks after a marathon to rest, recharge, and do little to no running.
Training shoe:Â I’ll wear anything that fits for training. For racing, only the vaporflies will do!
Coach or training group: Dojo of Pain
The hardest race you’ve ever run: I returned to my college for a x-country race that pitted the alumni against current students. Because I usually won x-country races while in college, I started the race hard, determined to recapture my glory days. And then I was struck with the reality of being 20 years older. It was a long 3 miles!
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running:Â Doing a trail race in New Zealand. Technical and terrifying, but an unforgettable experience.
Running mentors:Â Alan Pemberton
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is:Â Â Hains Point (also my least favorite)
Favorite local trail:Â Â Towpath
My best race was:Â Chicago marathon
Favorite local race:Â Cherry Blossom
Ideal post-run meal:Â egg and avocado sandwich with a (very large) cafe au lait
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc:Â I hate gu! But I do think Maurten’s may have some magic in it.
Pet peeve:Â black ice
Goals:Â To run for as many more years as possible.
Your advice for a new runner:Â Be patient. Getting better is all about consistency.
Favorite running book: Running with the Buffalos
Song in your head during a run:Â It’s always changing. Most recently: Truth Hurts.
Have you dealt with a major injury: Way too many to describe in this format.
Running quote:Â “Keep showing up.” Des Linden
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:Â Â The running community!
